What's in a number change?

DENVER, CO - JUNE 16: Justin De Fratus #79 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning of a game at Coors Field on June 16, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies beat the Phillies 5-2. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)(Photo: Dustin Bradford Getty Images)

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Former Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee wore No. 30 for each of his nine seasons as Charlie Manuel's righthand man. Dubee is in Orlando, Fla., this spring as the minor-league pitching coordinator for the Braves. Now, the Phillies' No. 30 belongs to reliever Justin De Fratus.

De Fratus, for the last two seasons, had been in unique company. He wore No. 79, only the second player in MLB history to wear the number. The other was Jean Machi, a reliever who appeared in eight games for the Giants in 2012. Machi made another appearance in the bigs in 2013, but changed his number to 63.

De Fratus cited a couple reasons for the switch. One, he's worn No. 30 for much of his minor-league career, including last year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley where he posted a 1.89 ERA in 13 appearances. He also mentioned that umpires might be a little lax on the strike zone with a guy wearing No. 30 than No. 79, usually reserved for September call-ups and the like.

"I don't know how much truth there is to it," De Fratus said with a laugh. "But if it's that close, maybe it'll help."

De Fratus has enough major-league experience to pull it off. He has a 3.67 ERA in 76 outings for the Phillies over the last three seasons, and should be a favorite to land a bullpen spot out of spring training.

If he makes the Opening Day roster, he'll be the 719th player in major-league history to wear No. 30. So, for now, De Fratus hopes to join more normal company.